I’ve been thinking about Field of Dreams lately. I haven’t actually watched the movie for a few years, but I listen to the soundtrack a lot which makes me think about certain themes in the movie that have stayed with me.
Baseball has nothing to do with why I love this movie, but I doubt very many people like it because it’s about baseball –because it’s not about baseball. One thing I’ve learned about myself when it comes to movies is what speaks most to me in the story is the human relationships that unfold, and I watch them over and over again, even if it is just for a scene that lasts three or four minutes just to see the qualities of that relationship play before me.
One of my favorite things about this story is how unbelievably patient and loving Ray’s wife is and how I think everyone should have someone like that in their life and be that someone for someone else. By that I mean someone who will indulge your gut feelings and not only assist you but also be your advocate in a crazy dream or goal you may have that could actually be realized if only you had the right enablers.
Ray’s faith in building a baseball field on their property was unwarranted and I’m guessing, unprecedented but his wife (Annie) supported him in doing it anyway, even though it was ridiculously expensive and completely impractical.
I love seeing people like this in my “real” life. These are people that have no selfish interests, they just see the potential of what you can achieve and want to watch you make that happen. The product is rarely what matters, it’s seeing you “be you” while you realize the vision you have.
I watched my bishop do this when he pooled all his resources to help one of our ward members write, direct, and produce a musical. He was able to get professional costumes and perform it in an actual theatre (meaning not the cultural hall of the church). Most of us made fun of the grandeur of the project and how seriously he took it, but I smiled through the whole 3 and a half hour production because I couldn’t believe that it was actually happening. Someone let him do this and he is going to remember this and take pride in his accomplishment for the rest of his life, and I was just happy there were people out there who made it happen for him.
How amazing would it be to have someone give you green light after green light as you go ahead with a plan? Instead of presenting road blocks they break them down for you. Maybe it’s because I’ve worked in government for 8 years but that NEVER happens.
If you haven’t seen the documentary Man on Wire yet, rent it. Philippe Petit is a crazy, eccentric man who wants to risk his life by tight rope walking between the twin towers without a net. He has no monetary gain in this at all, he just sees something up high and all it means to him is his next stunt. But what’s more amazing to me is how his friends sacrifice their time and their safety to help their nutty friend realize his dream. It’s not their dream, it’s his and they stick by him to the very end to see him make it happen.
Good movie and I loved that part, as well. I couldn't believe how that dude was able to impassion so many people. It was great.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen it yet but I'm afraid that too often I tell people they can't/shouldn't do things. I don't want to be like that.
ReplyDeleteCrap. I'm so not an Annie.
ReplyDeleteHowever, she got to see the baseball players so if I got to "see" the vision like she did, I would like to think that I would hop on board with whatever I needed to support.
Okay, I made myself feel better. Now life can resume. Because, yes, it is all about me feeling good.
Oh, I've almost watched this documentary a couple of times (it's available instantly on Netflix). That picture FREAKS me out, though. I guess I'm not as good with heights as I thought I was . . .
ReplyDeleteBut maybe I will give it a try.
Did you hear Philippe Petit on "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me?" I think I understand how he got so many people to help him, now I want to help him too and I'm terrified of heights.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I heard him on there. I loved how he said he watched the movie and thought to himself, "This guy is incredible!"
ReplyDeleteYou love field of dreams? That is awesome!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Laura! I am beside myself with inspiration. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteJosh is over in LA building a baseball field right now.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Laura!Your Field of Dreams comment about Ray's wife made me think of something else to add. Being able to work closely along side the bishop you mention, I noticed that part of the reason he was and is so selfless and believes in people is because his wife is so kind and does the same for him. She was selfless and she let him be himself and the feeling seemed to spread to all around.
ReplyDeleteso the movie fist full of quarters is pretty inspirational too. i watched field of dreams as a kid and Hated It (snap snap)! maybe i should give it another go. i do have a had time swallowing Costner though.
ReplyDelete_clint
Great perspective on Field of Dreams (one of my all time favorite movies.) You’re right that it’s not about baseball. Baseball is just happens to be the thing that ties everyone together. It’s the broken tie between the Ray and his father. As you pointed out, it’s a dream of Rays that his wife supports him on and brings them closer together. It’s what brings the writer out of seclusion and back to Iowa. It’s a movie about fathers and sons, husbands and wives, and how one crazy dream can bring everyone together.
ReplyDeleteHey, Laura,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great insight. It is a series of these rare, unselfish championing of other people's dreams that make the world what it is. It would be nice to have someone like that in my life. I think I should be more like that for my kids.